Arthritis Society Canada empowers underserved communities to thrive with arthritis

March 10, 2025 – Arthritis Society Canada is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Community Action Grants, aimed at addressing the unique needs of people living with arthritis in underserved communities across Canada. Launched in 2022, this funding program provides increased opportunities for people to connect, learn and thrive with arthritis in their own communities. 

This year, three outstanding projects have been awarded $5,000 each to create locally informed solutions that foster inclusion and belonging. These initiatives will take place between April 2025 and March 2026.

“Living with chronic pain can often feel isolating, but together we can make a lasting difference,” said Dr. Siân Bevan, Chief Science Officer, Arthritis Society Canada. “Through our Community Action Grants, we support organizations and individuals who are tackling unique arthritis-related challenges within their communities, including health inequities and barriers to accessing critical care and information.”

Arthritis is a debilitating and prevalent condition with no known cure. In Canada, approximately 6 million people live with arthritis and without action now, that number is expected to rise to 9 million by 2045. Arthritis steals mobility, diminishes quality of life, and is a leading cause of workplace disability. However, therapeutic exercise, education, and peer support can significantly improve the lives of those managing arthritis.

The three selected projects were made possible thanks to Arthritis Society Canada’s generous donors. Detailed descriptions of each project can be found below:

Move and Thrive: Arthritis Support through Seated Yoga and Education, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island 
This initiative, led by Spinal Cord Injury PEI, is designed to improve arthritis self-management, promote social connections, and enhance the quality of life for participants. The program will feature weekly seated yoga classes and educational workshops and awareness raising events including a June Health Campaign Walk and a World Arthritis Day campaign in October. This initiative also aims to expand arthritis support and awareness in the rural communities of Tyne Valley and Montague.

Empowering Lives: Arthritis Community Support Initiative, Winnipeg, Manitoba 
This program, organized by Sri Lankan Seniors of Manitoba (SLSM), will support Sri Lankan seniors living with arthritis in the Winnipeg area. Services will be offered in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. Focused on education, therapeutic activities, and peer support, the program will work to improve the quality of life for participants, while also challenging misconceptions and increasing awareness about arthritis. The initiative will help participants live fuller, more productive lives despite their condition.

Arthritis Empowerment: Exercise, Education & Healthy Eating for Wellness, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Led by Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association, this program combines educational workshops in English and Mandarin with participation in low-impact fitness activities, such as ping pong, badminton, tai chi, and jogging. In addition to promoting arthritis management and prevention, the initiative will offer guidance on pain management, exercise techniques, and maintaining a healthy diet to support joint health and reduce inflammation.

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About Arthritis Society Canada 
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis. Arthritis Society Canada is accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit arthritis.ca.

Media Contact: 
Jenny Ng 
Senior Manager, Public Relations & Media 
Arthritis Society Canada 
jng@arthritis.ca 
416-455-1182 

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